In one of the night's most anticipated performances, West got down on his knees for an emotional tribute to his late mother Donda West, performing "Hey Mama," while sporting the word "Mama" shaved into the back of his head. That followed a glow-in-the-dark rendition of "Stronger" with Daft Punk.

Winehouse, who is set to perform via satellite later in the show from London, wasn't on hand to accept her new artist award, but presenters Miley Cyrus and an enthusiastic Cyndi Lauper accepted on her behalf.

Carrie Underwood

Kevork Djansezian / AP

Winehouse was up against Feist, Ledisi, Paramore and teen country sensation Taylor Swift.